Retire your co2 laser? Atomstack A70 70w Diode

In this video, we dive into the Atomstack A70 diode and put it head-to-head against our trusty 100W CO2 laser. Diode lasers have made significant strides in recent years, and they're becoming increasingly impressive! I believe these diodes establish a more accessible entry point, making laser technology much more affordable for enthusiasts. They continue to advance, becoming more user-friendly and require less maintenance compared to traditional CO2 lasers. But the burning question remains: how do these diodes fare over time with heavy use in a business setting?
Patreon: / twomoose
Lasers used in video:
Atomstack A70 70w: shrsl.com/4ii2e
Atomstack A70 MAX: shrsl.com/4ii2e
Laguna MX co2: lagunatools.com/cnc/co2-lasers/
Other lasers to check out:
Enclosed diode Creality Falcon: shrsl.com/4ii2o
xTool D1 Pro 40W: amzn.to/3y2wF1A
Links are affiliate links, we get a small kickback for each purchase at no cost to you! Thanks for the support!
Instagram: / twomoosedesign
Main Website: twomoosedesign.com
Amazon affiliate store: www.amazon.com/shop/twomoosed...
00:00 Introduction
01:04 Safety
03:19 Size
04:48 Ease of Use
07:30 Recommendations
08:46 Cutting and Engraving
10:47 Materials
12:50 Longevity
14:00 Whats better?
#diode #co2lasermachine #atomstack

[@robertbankhead8661]

Well done! you guys are amazing and your videos are equally amazing. Of course ya'll rock on the cutting board work, that is a lot of work. I can't figure out why you're not at 250k subs though.

[@TwoMooseDesign]

You tell me 😆 we appreciate you following along 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

Thanks Jef and Jess for all of this useful information. I’m just starting to research lasers. So your timing of this video is perfect for me. As for me, I’m mainly interested in engraving at this time. But with a lot of things, that can change with time. Awesome Useful Video!!! 😃👍👊

[@TwoMooseDesign]

Hey Carl! A 20watt diode would most likely be more than enough especially for mostly engraving but still gives you the ability to cut if you need to. Thanks for watching!

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

@@TwoMooseDesign Sounds Great ! Thanks! 👍

[@amwoodshopni]

Very good video. Thanks for sharing your opinion

[@TwoMooseDesign]

Thanks for watching!

[@1-Nice-Guy]

Nice review, the Atomstack and the higher end Ikier can be purchased with a VERY NICE Class-1 enclosure.

[@TwoMooseDesign]

Thanks for the info! I wonder if its the same company? They look pretty similar, I dont think atomstack offers a big enough enclosure so that might bet a better deal with the Ikier.

[@1-Nice-Guy]

@@TwoMooseDesign Ikier is the high-end division of Atomstack. The enclosure is for the big 70W beast. 😁

[@TwoMooseDesign]

Nice! I looked them up even the screen looks better haha

[@davidlwhitesidearmy]

Thx good info

[@TwoMooseDesign]

Thanks for watching!

[@TwoMooseDesign]

Thanks for watching! Let me know your experiences with diode lasers as I dont have a ton. Do they hold up with heavy use? If you're interested in the laser mentioned I'll attach an affiliate link. Overall for the price it seems pretty impressive but I dont have a ton of time with it. Click here if you're interested. Atomstack A70 70w: shrsl.com/4ii2e

[@onlyychevys]

I don't have any experience with a laser but I have a question that I hope you can answer. Can you cut 2 sided tape with a laser? Its made by 3M and is a type of foam core with a plastic peel off on both sides. I have a big need for this if possible. Thanks for your video, I might start looking for something closer to the $1200 to $2000 range.

[@TwoMooseDesign]

Hey! Pretty much any diode should cut that like butter. I tagged a enclosed creality laser in the description that is a little more affordable.

[@thediscman123]

I cut clear acrylic only Co2 will do that so it doesn't matter how powerful they make the diode lasers they just don't cut clear acrylic so I think co2's are safe for now

[@TwoMooseDesign]

Correct, I mentioned this several times. It depends on what you do in you workspace, if you dont cut acrylic its not a big deal, it can also do colored acrylic. I also mentioned I would buy a larger c02 laser if budget permits that purchase. Thanks for watching!

[@maccaslasher]

Good to see the larger wattage diode lasers. ive been holding off buying one till now. Are you going to be doing any reviews on their effectiveness at 3d engraving. I do a bit of it on my 100 watt co2 but i think a diode laser would do a much better job. Great vid.

[@TwoMooseDesign]

Hey! Thats not something Ive messed with but sounds interesting ill have to look into that.

[@jamesmyatt8132]

My issues with my diode lasers that I do not see with better C02 lasers are the mechanical parts. C02 are more like a CNC milling machine and diodes are like a toy. I can do great things but the speed will almost always be held back on the diodes because of the way they are built. It isn’t always cutting ability. 70 watts make me want one and it is easily obtainable but I will always long for the stability but that is where the size and cost comes in. Additionally diode laser may last longer than C02 but the frame and gantry won’t. Just some other things to think about. I will probably be and up getting one of the big 70 watt because it is more affordable and less space

[@TwoMooseDesign]

100% agree which is why I recommended a higher end c02 if its feasible. I have the same concerns with the diodes, I think they are getting there though! They still need some improvements but overall getting pretty impressive. I dont think it would hold up nearly as well as a well built c02 if its strictly a business purchase. As a hobby I think they are a great option! or even a good starting point to start a business as they have a low entry cost.

[@ROBOROBOROBOROBO]

Is 70W delivered power? Because laser diodes from china say 40W but I think in reality they are 5W

[@TwoMooseDesign]

They claim it’s 70. It sure cuts like butter but it’s not something I actually tested so I’m not 100% sure 🤷🏼‍♂️ single pass cuts 1/2 mdf and 1” wood

[@SpoonerSPON]

5W is pretty much the limit for a single diode laser. They sold them claiming up to 15W, by running them over power, so they burned out quickly. The newer 20W and bigger diodes are constructed of multiple 5W diodes that are combined into a single outout beam. Xtool 20W models have 4 diodes and 40W models have 8 diodes. This one will probably have 14 diodes stacked in the box.

[@vigigamehacker123]

25 mega amps? lol

[@TwoMooseDesign]

😆 I believe it’s actually called a miliamp but all I know is it says don’t go over 25 haha

[@unclerichard6729]

$1,800 for a diode laser???????????????????? You must be nuts.

[@TwoMooseDesign]

I said you can get them cheaper. This is just the one I have, there’s tons of them out there. This is also a 70w diode, if you want to buy a 20w diode for $600 by all means do what you want with your money.